All the news related to our activities in 2011, in continuous chronological order, with a minimum of time & clicking. To return to the menu for other years, click on "Chronicles."
JANUARY
January Workshop :The Legion Prepares for the Campaign Season
About ten re-enactors from the Legio Romano gathered at the Home of the Order this past weekend, January 22nd & 23rd, to prepare for the upcoming campaign season. The necessary cleaning and organisation of material was undertaken with enthusiasm & dedication.
FEBRUARY
Palace of Galveias in the 17th century :With the Távoras in Lisbon
On the 12th & 14 of February, this event was undertaken in partnership with the Lisbon City Council, which allowed visitors to experience, for an hour, the period of the Restoration in the 17th century in the Palace of Galveias (today the Municipal Library).
This palace, which originally belonged to the Távoras family (later condemned by the Marquis of Pombal), was, for these days, the stage for a variety of demonstrations, from daily life, to poetry and a demonstration of a company of musketeers of the period.
Romans in school in Alcobaça :Inês de Castro school hosts reenactors
On February 15th in the Dona Inês de Castro School in Alcobaça, two sessions about the Late Roman Empire were put on for students & teachers. All present demonstrated their fascination with the subject, and our efforts to show that history is not only found in books .
On the weekend of March 5th & 6th, at the Home of the Order, a training activity took place concerning the safety and use of Napoleonic era equipment, in order to give re-enactors some knowledge of periods outside their main area of interest.
Santarém celebrates History :Remembering King Afonso Henriques
On March 17th in the Garden of the Portas do Sol, the City of Santarém paid homage to King Afonso Henriques, recalling the daily life of the 12th century with hundreds of children from various local schools, who participated in a variety of activities that we put on .
On March 15th, 1811, in Foz de Arouce, the Anglo-Portuguese forces encountered the French troops who were retreating after their third and final invasion of Portugal . The 200th anniversary of the battle, which bears the name of the area, was remembered by the Lousã City Council and its populace, as well as by us and the Portuguese Army, from the 18th - 20th of this month.
This activity covered three days and three distinct stages: Friday the 17th was reserved to welcome the over three hundred students from the local school district. Passing through the Anglo-Portuguese Army encampment gave them the opportunity to learn a little about military & civilian life of the era. Student projects about the event
The school`s reception
Civilian life visit tent
On Saturday the 18th, the event was opened to the general public, and we undertook the final training of local participants for the combat scheduled for the following day .
Commemoration on Sunday morning
With members of the Portuguese Army
The event ended on Sunday the 20th: the morning saw our participation with Portuguese Army in the installation of the commemorative plaque on the monument located on the bridge of Foz de Arouce . During the afternoon came the final great moment for which hundreds of visitors had been waiting - the combat between the Anglo-Portuguese and French troops along the Arouce estuary, with the participation of dozens of the local populace portraying the two opposing forces of two hundred years ago!
Asssociation Exposition :Setúbal goes back in time to Cetóbriga
On March 27th, during the Associations Exposition of Setúbal, the city went back in time to the 1st century A.D., the time of Cetóbriga, to attend the gladiator combats and circus entertainments, put on by the Patriarch of Cetóbriga, who also provided bread for the citizens and crowds who attended!
The citizens prepare for the games
The Patriarch of Cetóbriga at the opening of the Games
Some gladiator combats
The emotions of victory after the laurels are presented
On the weekend of April 9-10, the Home of the Order hosted a training session of daily life in the Roman legions, in order to polish our reenacting skills in areas such as encampments, military manoeuvers, cooking, and the use and maintenance of equipment.
Castelo Mendo Medieval Festival:In the Time of King D.Dinis
Castelo Mendo presented their Medieval Festival with "pomp and circumstance" from April 30th to May 1st. Around a hundred participants and artisans gave life, sound and colour to this beautiful historic location in the Beiras. This event, organised entirely by the Ordem, was sponsored by the Almeida City Council.
Confrontation at Tamazim : 1641 - Portugal was there!!
This last May 7th, we went back to the year 1641 to recreate the Skirmish at Tamazim, in Semideiro in the Township of Chamusca , with full participation by the community and the support of the Council.
This event was combined with the religious festivities, dating from the 17th century, at the location where a chapel was built in 1641 to commemorate the Portuguese who stopped the Spanish advance nearby during the War of the Restoration.
- The Spanish troops.
- The Portuguese forces.
- The Portuguese musketeers in action.
- The Spanish in defense.
- The battle was joined.
- Commemorating the Portuguese victory.
Hundreds of people attended the event on a fine afternoon, during 2 hours of manoeuvres and skirmishing between the two "armies," accompanied by theatrical presentations of episodes from the period. At the end of the event, there was a march-by of the members of the Tamazim Regiment, followed by the final Procession from the Chapel.
Inauguration of Casa da Baía (House of the Bay):Royal Corps of Marines in Setubal
On May 7th, the City of Setúbal attended the inauguration of the Casa da Baía, a completely restored 17th century building, which will serve as a cultural center, as well as the world headquarters of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club (one of those bays being Setúbal's).
Our contribution to the event was the presence of our own 18th century Corps of Royal Marines during the inaugural ceremony.
Bicentennial of the Battle of La Albuera :Portuguese Infantry of the Line in action.
In the small Spanish village of La Albuera, we participated in one of the largest European reenactments of the Napoleonic Era, featuring nearly 3,000 reenactors from all over Europe (and beyond), in celebration of the bicentennial of the Battle of La Albuera.
It was on the weekend of May 7-8 that our Portuguese Infantry Regiment of the Line came to commemorate the thousands of Portuguese soldiers who participated in this important battle of the Peninsular Campaign in 1811, between the Anglo-Portuguese forces and those of the French and Spanish.
Castelo Branco Medieval Fair :The Middle Ages Reenacted with the Community
The Castelo Braco Medieval Fair took place in the weekend of May 21st - 22nd. This year we highlighted the importance of the Templars in the conquest of this city in the 12th century, with a reenactment in the ruins of its ancient castle.
Hundreds of students and residents attended this event organised by the Associação Outrem, which saw our our participation in the reenactment and other entertainments.
JUNE
Opening the New Railway Station :Castelo Branco welcomes King Carlos I
The populace of Castelo Branco welcomed King Carlos I and Queen Amélia with pomp and circumstance for the opening of its railway station, reenacting the last decade of the 19th century.
This event, organised by the Faria de Vasconcelos School District , took place on June 4th, and featured reenactments of historic moments and characters, as well as entertainment with traditional music and acrobats.
Marialva
Medieval Fair :Reliving the Middle Ages in the Old Town
On Sunday June 12th, the old town of Marialva returned to the end of the 13th century in a simple but very successful and heavily attended medieval fair. Organised by the Mêda Town Council, with the cooperation of local schools and associations, this event also saw the participation of the OCSP in the scenarios as well as in the training of local participants.
Lousã in 1911 :At the Beginning of the Republic
On the weekend of June 18th & 19th, as part of the commemoration of the centennial of the Portuguese Republic, the town of Lousã returned to 1911, featuring typical characters of the period - from the rural peasant, through the middle classes to the clergy and the old aristocracy.
Put on by the Lousã Town Council, the intention of this event was to involve local associations, residents, schools and merchants in reenacting the period. With training and orientation of the OCSP, over two hundred participants were well able recreate the era.
- The villagers arrive from the outskirts of the Town.
On the weekend of June 25th & 26th, Vila da Cambra ( Township of Vouzela ) celebrated its medieval origins in a successful event organised by the School District . The town was enlivened for two days by falconry, clowns and jugglers, demonstrations and displays of arms, as well as theatrical performances.
JULY
3rd Annual Torrão Historical Fair :In the Time of Bernardim Ribeiro
The Town of Torrão , with customary attention to detail, once again welcomed King João III, and celebrated the life of its native son: writer, dramatist and poet Bernardim Ribeiro.
This three-day event from July 1st - 3rd, was put on by the OCSP and the Alcácer do Sal City Council, involving both the "Historic Routes of the Alentejo and Ribatejo" and InAlentejo, and saw the participation of over three hundred characters, entertainers and artisans in a great festival.
In addition to its quality, the diversity of the entertainment and the excellent work of the local people and organisations were fundamental to the great success of this event that welcomed thousands of visitors over three days.
- Opening parade with the royal guard.
- Hundreds of local residents in the event.
- King João III and his wife.
- One of the historical meals.
- Theatrical sketches of daily life.
- Entertainment around the historical taverns.
- Acrobats enchanting the public.
- The combatants prepare for the battle demonstration.
Vila Chã de Ourique :Reliving the Battle of Ourique
In 1139, the Moorish and Portuguese armies met in an engagement decisive for the history of Portugal - the Battle of Ourique.
In this epic event, whose actual location is still uncertain, Afonso Henriques was declared King of Portugal by his men!
With this in mind, on July 22nd - 24th, the Vila Chã de Ourique Town Council, in partnership with the Cartaxo City Council and Social Centre, undertook a series of activities related to the Battle .
The battle reenactment took place at night on Saturday the 23rd, with over sixty participants forming the two opposing armies. It was a great event of fierce combat, during which tactical manoeuvres left the outcome in doubt until the last minute! The proclamation of Afonso Henriques as King took place the next day.
We were responsible for the training and leadership of the participants in the battle, as well as their equipment, which contributed greatly to the success of the event.
- Moorish knight.
- Portuguese knight.
- The arrival of the Portuguese troops.
- Final victory and the proclamation of King Afonso Henriques.
On August 15th & 16th, the Town of Messejana celebrated the royal visit of King Sebastian, made in 1573 before his departure for North Africa
This event was put on by the OCSP, the Aljustrel City Council and the Messejana Town Council, as part of "Historic Routes of the Alentejo and Ribatejo" with the support of InAlentejo.
Castle of St. George - Lisbon :Daily Life in the Time of King Afonso Henriques
From August 25th - 28th the Castle of St. George returned to the second half of the 12th century in order to show the thousands of visitors how people lived and worked at that time, in an event put on by the OCSP, the EGEAC (the Lisbon cultural agency), the Castle of St. George and the Lisbon City Council.
The event featured live craftwork, recreated daily domestics tasks, even medicinal herbalists, as well as falconry, jugglers and acrobats and troubadours. Visitors could handle replica artifacts, participate in various activities and, becoming part of the action - travel in Time!
Festival of Madeira Wine :The History of a Universal Wine
From August 31st - September 4th the Madeira Regional Department of Tourism and Transport put on the Festival of Madiera Wine.
This year, with our participation, various vignettes from the history of Maderia Wine were performed - from the Age of Exploration to the 20th Century.
Beginning with various quotes from Shakespeare plays referencing Maderia, through the famous Malvasian wine, to the annual 4th of July toast with Madeira wine celebrating the independence of the United States, as well as the visit which Winston Churchill made to the island in the 1950's, scenes were reenacted by us, as well as by local actors whom we coached and costumed.
- The 15th century - the beginning of Madeira wine production
Convent of St. Francis - Santarém :A Voyage to the 13th Century
On September 24th & 25th, in the cloister of the Convent of St. Francis, an iconic monument in the city of Santarém, the OCSP and the Santarém City Council put on "A Voyage to the 13th Century," as part of "Historic Routes of the Alentejo and Ribatejo," with the support of InAlentejo and the group El Galego.
At this event, which saw good participation from local artisans and the association "Cena Aberta," visitors could choose between street entertainment, such as music, jugglers & acrobats and falconry, plus medieval combats and displays from the time of King Dinis, or they could venture into the cloister for demonstrations of civil and religious life of the period.
20 Years of Reenacting :Congratulations to the Ordem and Portugal
The traditional anniversary celebration by members of the Ordem took place on the weekend of the 15th & 16th of October in Vendas Novas, in order to celebrate their 20th anniversary! Congratulations are in order for the Ordem and reenactment in Portugal.
NOVEMBER
Roman Beja:Pax Julia ano domini 11
"Pax Julia Ano Domini 11" took place on November 23rd, an activity put on by the Ordem and the Beja City Council, as part of "Hiostoris Routes of the Alentejo and Ribatejo" & with the support of InAlentejo.
Over three hundred students took part, from pre-primary to the secondary levels, from various schools in the region, as well as dozens of the local populace. All had the opportunity to experience the daily life of the Roman city and its garrison during the reign of the Emperor Augustus.
Scientific Historic Reconstruction :Thesis about Roman Forts
On November 28th, one of our members, David Roque, made a presentation about Roman forts at the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon , as part of his master's thesis in Civil Engineering.
This thesis defense in front of the scientific community was greatly appreciated by the jury, who, aside from demonstrating great interest in the project, awarded a grade of 18 out of a possible 20 points for its pioneering and innovative work.
This investigative project will be the basis for the future construction of a Roman fort in Portugal , involving our planning and direction.
January Workshop :
March Workshop :
April Workshop:
Inauguration of Casa da Baía (House of the Bay):
Castelo Branco Medieval Fair :
Opening the New Railway Station :
Medieval
Market :
20 Years of Reenacting :
